I feel like I was just accosted...

[cynatnite]

So, I go to Lowe's to buy some plywood to replace the shelves in the pantry. I got it bought and was wheeling it outside when this man comes up behind me and practically shoves a little flyer in my face that was advertising some church.

He asked if I'd be interested in his church. I do what I always do in similar situations. I say "no, thank you. I'm not interested."

I start to move the cart again and he asks if I'm attending a church. I'm a bit taken aback because normally everyone goes their perspective ways by that point. I answer that I'm an atheist and not interested.

He starts doing the whole Jesus routine and I cut him off by telling him that I'm perfectly happy with myself. I give him a pleasant smile because I hate drama and turn away to leave. I can hear him mentioning hell and all that jazz as I'm walking away.

This is a normal looking guy who dressed like he coached softball games or something.

The way he went about it struck me as almost threatening. I don't like strange men approaching me the way he did and then it was worse with the conversation that followed.

Why is it that these people think they know me better than I know myself? I'm a 'live and let live' kind of atheist, but then some Christians like this man think they have a right to come up behind me and inflict their religion on me.

I'm a bit rattled by this encounter.

[Warpy]

1. Yeah, you never know when verbal aggression will turn physical

I don't tell those clowns anything but "not interested" followed by "none of your business" if they press the matter. That has always gotten rid of them.

I really hate these self appointed religious police. There is no place for them in a pluralistic country and I'm not too polite to tell them.

[Freelancer]

2. What would Bugs Bunny do if he where drawn as an atheist?

Next time, look past them with an astonished expression, point and say "Look! Is that Jimmy Swaggart?" When they turn, run as fast as you can.

[HAB911]

3. better than I know myself?

Most, not all but most, Christians are Supremacists, no different than white supremacists. This gives them the "right" to accost you because they are right and you are wrong.(in their minds)

[AlbertCat]

10. They are also giant egotists.

What they are doing is way more important than anything anyone else is doing....and only they can do it.

[mountain grammy]

4. It's amazing that what people will say to total strangers

about things that should be personal.

[OriginalGeek]

5. Some think it is their job

they think they are failing their lord by not proselytizing. They literally believe they are saving your soul. And then they'll say "Well, god does the saving through jesus christ our lord" but when they get together in their meetings they clap each other on their backs and praise each other for the number of souls they saved. Hell, they used to keep a big scoreboard in the church I grew up in.

I think some take it more seriously than others but they all want to look good at meeting time so they'll get out there and knock on doors for the lord. Or parking lots. Or restaurants. They don't give a flying fuck if you want to hear from them because it's your SOUUUUL stake and they can't let an opportunity pass to tell you about their lord. Boss gets mad when they slack. GOd told them to do it and his wishes outweigh yours.

[awoke_in_2003]

6. I would have reported him

to store management. If they don't do something about it, then they condone it, and don't deserve my money.

[Bradical79]

7. Happens to me occasionally at Lowes

Unfortunately, I work there and can't leave :-P A co-worker walked up to me the other day with a baffled expression on his face, and says "Hey... I think I just got saved..." Apparently when one of these guys asked if he could pray for him. He said "Sure, if you want to." Unfortunately, my coworker didn't realize the guy meant he was going to do the "laying of hands" ritualistic practice right there on the sales floor.

It can be a bit rattling. I used to go to an evangelical church for a little while. They really poison your mind from a young age, and target other people's children. I recall one of the teenagers there had a friend who had died. The amount of suffering he felt because he didn't know if his friend's soul was saved was really heartbreaking. He talked about feeling guilt at not having "witnessed" to his friend about his faith. He legitimately felt that his friend may be suffering for all of eternity in hell because he didn't take action on this front. It used to keep me up at night too thinking such thoughts, but in hindsight it is pretty sick to do that to children.

[uriel1972]

8. You were accosted...

complete with after-death threats

[Iggo]

9. Exactly. (n/t)